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I completed this first draft of a tunic earlier this year. It features a high-low hem and high slits on the sides, along with leather button loops on the sleeves.

While I’m hoping to release the pattern for this tunic sometime next year, there are a few changes to be made first. Mainly, the neckline is wider than I intended, even after altering and adjusting it while making this first draft. I’m still happy with it, though – the rest of it turned out pretty much like I’d pictured, and it’s received so many nice compliments any time I’ve worn it (which is great to hear as the designer).

The next step is to work up a second version and make the intended changes, then I’ll get pictures and begin editing and finalizing the pattern.

Psst: If you’d like to keep up with day-to-day behind-the-scenes of my design process and projects, I’m pretty active on my Instagram account.

For most people in the south, tea means an ice cold cup of sweet tea (black tea with lots of sugar). Growing up, that’s all we drank. No herbal teas or green teas. Nothing “fancy.”

My mom and I were a little different than most around us, though. Not that we don’t love a glass of cold sweet tea, but there was a treat we both shared a love for.

When the tea had finished steeping on the stove, Mom would pour it into a pitcher over a few scoops of sugar, add in a little more water, then stir. Once it was ready she’d put the pitcher in the fridge to cool. She’d come find me, and like a shared secret, let me know, “I just finished making tea. It’s in the fridge, so go get some now if you want it still warm.”

I’d pour some into a jelly jar glass and cup my hands around it to feel the warmth. Hold it below my nose for a bit and let the steam clear out any congestion. Then sip it slowly. I’m pretty sure I remember a few people turning their noses up at us from time to time, like, “Who drinks warm sweet tea?!” Those comments seem so silly now.

As I got older, Mom and I began to delve into the world of herbal teas. Fruit teas became a favorite, and mint. But I still love a good cup of warm black tea, sometimes with a bit of lemon juice added and mostly with honey instead of sugar. A classic a bit refined, but with humble, sweet beginnings.

I’m so excited to finally have these in the shop! These “wifi” wallhangings are handmade – a print of my original artwork, covered with a sheet of plastic so you can use wet or dry erase markers to write in your home’s wifi password, finished with a handcrocheted trim. Pretty and practical. ;)

Fall-Winter 2016 is here. The little collection is made up of mix and match hats, scarves, cowl, and gloves available in 8 color combos. Some designs are returning from previous years, some are brand new. And a few other random items are available again in the shop also, like the crocheted men’s tie and Collector’s Drawstring Bag. Have a look here, and go get you some cozy goodness!

These people have been my friends for years now, and though we all don’t get to hang out together as much as we used to, the times we do get to spend together are always lovely and silly. It’s nice to spend time with people you share so many inside jokes with, who’ve stuck around through awkward phases, embarrassing phases, differences in belief and choices, tears, laughs, etc. All in all, this day made me feel so joyful. I love these people. (I know, so much cheese, but it’s true.)

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago out with friends to eat sushi, followed by hanging out in a bookstore for hours. (Can we do this like, every weekend, please?)

I have mixed feelings about this dress. I love the stripes, the colors, but the way the sleeves are made – meant to have an oversized tee feeling – makes your shoulders seem broader than they really are, to me. But it’s comfortable, and has definitely been a great thing to have post-having baby to easily throw on.

I wish I could give your heart peace.
I wish I could say or do something to make it better.
But I can only offer that I’m here – though I
am a bitter, selfish, prideful person, I will try my
best to be here for you – and I can carry your burdens with you.

Don’t keep it in, don’t feel like you can’t share. If
you open up and I ignore, forget, don’t understand
the depth of your struggles, am not there in the
ways you need, then the fault is with me, not
you, the things you’re going through, or the way
you’re feeling.

And if you want, if you don’t mind, let me make
an attempt, however imperfect or unpoetic, however
honest and real on my part, to tell you of the
One I believe CAN give your heart peace. Who
can do something to make it better.

Who carried your burdens long ago.

I am trying to remember this message, too, dear friend.
I am feeble, fickle, weak, and small. As I said, I am
a bitter, selfish person. I am full of fear, a worrier.

Let us walk together toward Him, learn to lay
our burdens down and sit at His feet.

This is just a quick post to explain that I have not been receiving emails sent through my shop. The issue was not on Big Cartel’s end, and I think I have figured out what the problem was, but I SINCERELY apologize to anyone I have missed an email from. Please don’t hesitate to resend your messages! Thank you so much.